Bouncing Baby????

[lauradacombe]

I've recently noticed my DH try to settle our 3mth old son when he has been crying through the night. My lovely man lets me sleep to get extra rest while he tends to him. Except this one night I got up to use the bathroom and noticed him bouncing him up and down while holding him on his chest fairly vigorously but not extreme (I suppose I would compare it to if bub was in a Jolly jumper and bouncing alot... although he is too young for one yet though). Immediately I panicked and told him to stop, however he advised me he has been doing it for a while and says our DS likes it and stops crying and settles. It is obvious that he is not hurting him as he neck is well supported, but could it be doing damage to him now or in the long run?? I have read plenty of literature on this sort of stuff and SBS comes up alot. I know my DH wouldn't try to harm him in any way, we both love him so much and want to make sure we are doing the best for him. Any advise would be great.

[amberj]

I *think* the shaking would have to be a bit more extreme than this to harm bubs. I know from very, very early on, as soon as he could put any weight in his legs, my DS would just bounce and bounce and bounce on my lap and just love it, so I think the motion comes naturally to them and must be soothing. I'm afraid I don't know where the line is, but I suppose it always makes sense to err on the side of caution and ask your hubby to just be a bit more gentle.

I had to laugh reading your post, though- there were so many times I almost had a heart attack at how DH was treating our little guy. Not violent or anything, just not as gentle as I wanted. DH rocks and bounces our DS pretty heartily too. Must be a guy thing! I can't imagine it would be relaxing, but DS seems to like it!

[Evie76]

Here, here about the DH thing. Sometimes the DHs treat them much rougher. Not in a mean way, just so....... nonchalant...... and the babies/toddlers seem to love it. Sometimes I just can't watch.

I know my DH would do anything to protect his sons, but I wouldn't do what he does with them. I do kinda treat them a bit like eggs though. They're always laughing away.